1And after five days, Ananias the high priest descended with
the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who
informed the governor against Paul.
2And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse
[him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness,
and that very worthy deeds are done to this nation by thy
providence,
3We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix,
with all thankfulness.
4Notwithstanding, that I may not be further tedious to thee,
I pray thee, that thou wouldst of thy clemency hear us a few
words.
5For we have found this a pestilent man, and a mover of
sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a
ring-leader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we
took, and would have judged according to our law.
7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence
took [him] out of our hands,
8Commanding his accusers to come to thee: by examining whom,
thou thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things of which
we accuse him.
9And the Jews also assented, saying, that these things were
so.
10Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned to him to
speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been for
many years a judge to this nation, I do the more cheerfully
answer for myself:
11That thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve
days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any
man, neither exciting the people to sedition, neither in the
synagogues, nor in the city:
13Neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse
me.
14But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they
call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all
things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15And have hope towards God, which they themselves also
allow, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of
the just and unjust.
16And in this I exercise myself, to have always a conscience
void of offense towards God, and [towards] men.
17Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation,
and offerings.
18Upon which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the
temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19Who ought to have been here before thee, and object if
they had aught against me.
20Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any
evil-doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21Except it is for this one voice, that I cried, standing
among them, Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am called
in question by you this day.
22And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect
knowledge of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When
Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the
uttermost of your matter.
23And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let
[him] have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his
acquaintance to minister, or come to him.
24And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him
concerning the faith in Christ.
25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and
judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, depart for this
time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26He hoped also that money would have been given him by
Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the
oftener, and communed with him.
27But after two years Porcius Festus came as successor to
Felix: and Felix willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul
bound.